Delight as ring road dualling is finally given go-ahead
PLANS TO dual York’s outer ring road between Rawcliffe and Hopgrove roundabouts are set to go ahead after the Government approved funding for the scheme.
York Outer MP Julian Sturdy said he is “delighted” that York Council’s bid for cash for the project has been approved. Nearly £25.1m of Department for Transport funding has been announced to dual the section between Shipton Road, the A19, to the A64 at Hopgrove.
After receiving the letter from the Secretary of State, Mr Sturdy said: “I am absolutely delighted that this long-awaited project has finally got the official goahead from the Secretary of State (Baroness Vere).
“We have been talking about the need to dual the northern ring-road for many years in York and it is
good to see my constituents’ frustration with endless traffic jams turned into positive action.’’
He added: “The Government clearly understands the need to invest in local infrastructure projects that not only reduce congestion and boost business productivity but also have a real impact on people’s day to day lives. I hope that now programme entry has been confirmed, City of York Council can hit the ground running in delivering this project and I look forward to holding them to account as we enter the next phase.”
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “York is a fantastic city steeped in history, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it without the risk of getting stuck in traffic or travelling on unsafe roads.
“This vital upgrade will not only provide a new and efficient route for drivers but will also see the development of new shared footpaths and cycleways – helping the city become a cleaner, greener place to live.”
Works are expected to start at the end of 2020 and be completed in December 2022.